A veteran's decade-long run in Sutter Creek government has ended.

Sitting Vice Mayor Bill Hepworth put in resignation papers March 8 and, with reluctance, fellow city council members accepted it Monday. Hepworth, 68, cited doctor's advice.

"It's no secret that I haven't been well, and although I had hoped things would get better, I find I can no longer keep up the standard of work that I prefer to do," Hepworth wrote March 8 to Mayor Gary Wooten and fellow council members.

In an interview, Hepworth said, "I haven't completely left. I will still co-chair the promotion committee, and I'm still in charge of the beautification committee. I'd like to thank the residents of Amador County for voting me - I think it was five out of six times - 'best elected official' in a Ledger Dispatch survey. I enjoyed my time on the council. I love the city."

Council members with whom Hepworth had long-standing working relationships said Hepworth seemed stamped from the mold of a useful public servant. Hepworth will remain identified with Sutter Creek's project for the planned Eureka Mine Park, they said.

"He has been instrumental in keeping that alive," said Councilman Tim Murphy, who has worked for 10 years alongside Hepworth. "It's not done yet, but it will be finished."

Councilman Pat Crosby, who has worked with Hepworth for six years, said he admired the way that, as mayor and vice mayor, Hepworth seemed to relish speaking on behalf of the city. "He was a very good spokesman," Crosby said. "He was proud of wearing those hats."

Crosby and Murphy touted Hepworth's high profile involvement in improving the city's downtown.

"Bill is very energetic," Crosby said. "He took on a lot of projects, through the beautification committee and the promotion committee."

Finding a replacement for Hepworth will be the city's next order of business. The council can legally appoint a member to fill Hepworth's council seat.

"The interviews and appointment would need to be done in open session at a city council meeting," Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe wrote in a report to council members.

Another option includes waiting for a scheduled election, which would carry a cost likely to exceed $9,000 and could reach $17,000, city documents show. Council members on Monday chose the appointment option, as had been recommended by city staff members.

"An ad is coming out (today) for letters of interest," said Natalie Doyle, deputy city clerk.